My dad always got us bagels; I like to get my kids donuts. Yo-Yo Donuts in Minnetonka makes some of the best: They have fancy kinds with bacon on top, but my kids just want chocolate marble or sprinkles. yoyodonuts.com

STOP 2: PINBALL

SS Billiards has been in the same strip mall in Hopkins since 1970, and it feels like it. But that's OK because inside, there are the lights and clangs of pinball flippers, shooting that metal sphere to the nirvana of an extra-ball bonus. ssbilliards.com

STOP 3: PIZZA

We'll skip fancy-pants stuff and head straight to Tasty Pizza on the Northeast Minneapolis/Columbia Heights border. It's been slinging pies for more than 50 years. Go on a weekday for the $9 all-you-can-eat pizza buffet. tastypizzatogo.com

STOP 4: BASEBALL CARDS

There's something primal about watching kids rip open a pack of sports cards, which is why Three Stars Sportscards in Roseville is a must-stop. threestarssportscards.com